Packaging system

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a packaging container for pourable liquids, powders and granules, in particular pourable food products, wherein the packaging container comprises an inner flexible bag having an outlet opening, and further comprises an outlet part and an outer cover adhesively bonded to the inner bag in a punctiform manner that be disposed of separately therefrom. A carrying handle makes it possible for a variety of packaging containers to be transported easily. The outer cover of the packaging container may comprise two swing-open hard shells. A further packaging container according to the invention comprises a foldable outer cover and, when the latter is folded, the inner flexible bag can be fastened to the cover by means of the outlet part and, when the cover is unfolded, the inner flexible bag can be separated therefrom and the two can be introduced into different recycling systems.

The invention relates to a packaging system for pourable liquids,powders, and granules, particularly pourable food products.

Containers are known from the state of the art that are generally madefrom a plurality of different materials, or that have such complexdesigns that commercial application is not possible for cost reasons. Apackaging container produced from polyethylene and aluminum and having alaminated tube-shaped multilayer packaging material is described in DE69910428 T2.

Because it is very difficult to separate a packaging container made fromdifferent materials into the base materials thereof for recyclingpurposes, there is a great demand for providing packaging containersproduced from only a few materials and components, in order to thusenable rapid, resource-conserving reintroduction into the recyclingstream. It is important to note here that an alternative must fit intothe market and must not be more expensive than previous systems.

A further problem for packaging containers from the state of the art canbe seen in that when the packaging is opened, air flows into thepackaging, and the contents of the packaging container come into contactwith the surrounding air, setting various chemical processes in motion,particularly for liquid food products, which can lead to a reduction inshelf life and thus more rapid spoilage of the liquid contents.

Packaging does indeed exist that folds together when emptied, thuspreventing the entry of air, but said packaging is difficult to stack,requires an unnecessarily large amount of space for transport, and isinsufficiently resistant to external compressive forces. A form ofsack-like packaging containers is disclosed in EP 0 746 507 B1, made ofonly the flexible bag and comprising no outer cover, difficult to stackand insufficiently resistant to compressive forces, because thecontainers are loose in the carton and therefore cannot support anyload, but that largely prevent the entry of air into the containers.

The object of the present invention is thus to provide a packagingsystem for pourable liquids, powders, and granulates, particularlypourable food products, that allows simple return to the recoveredsubstance cycle after use and potentially lower-cost production. Inaddition, the shelf life of the contents of the packaging containershould be increased for some embodiments. In this manner, the knownproblems with packaging containers according to the state of the art areto be overcome.

Said object is achieved by the technical teaching of the independentclaims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in thedependent claims, the description, the figures, and the examples.

The packaging container according to the invention preferably comprisesan outer cover partially or completely enclosing the inner bag,preferably a carton or a hard shell but also possibly made from fabricor other natural materials or plastics, an inner bag having an outletopening, and an outlet part connected thereto. The inner flexible bagcan be separated from the outer cover either by pulling on the outletpart connected thereto, or can be separated out of or removed from thehard shell by opening the same or by means of special tear open orseparating mechanisms. The outlet part is preferably integrallyconnected to the flexible bag, particularly welded. An advantage therebyrelative to the state of the art is that while the bag can be cut open,it no longer must necessarily be cut open. Furthermore, a clearmechanism is provided for a self-opening variant of the packagingcontainer, so that the cutting open process can be controlled whenperformed. This is not possible in the state of the art. The outlet parttherefore also advantageously comprises no further sealing devices suchas sealing ribs or sealing rings that generally can only cause leaks.The preferred integral embodiment of the flexible bag having the outletpart makes such planned tearing sites and further sealing devicesunnecessary.

The outlet part can preferably be inserted in at least one trackdisposed on the outer cover. It can thus be ensured that the outlet partis securely seated and does not rotate when turning to open, forexample. The track is advantageously not round, but particularlypreferably rectangular in design, so that any rotational motion of theoutlet part can be prevented. The outlet part is advantageously formedso as to be able to engage in the tracks of the outer cover in acomplementary manner.

No valve is advantageously provided in the area of the outlet opening.The advantage thereby is that the packaging container according to theinvention can be produced substantially less expensively and moresimply. In the state of the art, for example, a valve is required inorder to prevent the escape of liquids and to prevent environmental aircontaminated by germs from flowing into the container after dispensing.The packaging container according to the present invention has theadvantage that dispensing is possible without subsequent inflow of aircontaminated by germs even without a valve, because the flexible innerbag collapses during dispensing and therefore no vacuum whatsoever thatcould cause inflow of air contaminated by germs occurs in the packagingcontainer.

The wall thickness of the outer cover is advantageously in a range from0.1 to 2 mm, particularly in a range from 0.15 to 1 mm. If the wallthickness is less than said range, then there is a risk that thepackaging container will be easily pressed inward when picking up thepackaging container. If the wall thickness is greater than said range,then the container becomes heavier and more expensive to produce due tothe greater material thickness.

The wall thickness of the flexible bag is advantageously in a range from0.02 to 0.5 mm. Below said range, mechanical influences can more easilycause damage to the bag, and thereby cause a leak. Above said range, itis possible for the greater wall thickness and thus the greater rigidityof the flexible bag to prevent complete emptying, such as by collapsingthe bag.

The packaging container preferably comprises a size in a range from 5 to50 cm, calculated using the two points of the packaging container thatare spaced furthest apart from each other. The packaging container isthereby particularly well suited for products such as foods or cosmeticsintended for end consumers.

The inner flexible bag preferably comprises 2 to 3 layers made ofplastic or metal. Said layers are preferably laminated or foil-clad. Itcan thus be prevented that the layers shift relative to each other whena bag is partially emptied and prevent emptying.

The outlet part advantageously makes direct contact with the outercover, or with tracks formed integrally on the cover. This has theparticular advantage that, in contrast to solutions from the state ofthe art, an additional component, such as a mounting element for theoutlet opening that would first have to be inserted into the outercover, is not necessary. Leaks can thereby be prevented and productioncosts reduced.

On the side opposite the outlet opening, the flexible bag preferablycomprises an integral rigid component comprises a diameter at least atone location that is greater than the outlet opening. It can thus beprevented that the flexible bag pops out of the outlet opening whenpouring out the bulk product, such as a liquid.

The material of the outer cover is preferably cardboard or carton or aplastic. The outer cover preferably does not comprise a coating or aclosed coating or film on the inside thereof that would seal the innerside relative to liquids. The advantage therein is that, relative toknown containers from the state of the art, a further processing step aswell as costs can be saved. The outer can furthermore be designed to bepermeable to air or liquids in this manner, so that mold growth in theinterior of the outer cover between the flexible bag and the outer covercan be prevented.

The packaging container for pourable liquids, powders, and granulatespreferably comprises an inner flexible bag having an outlet opening, andoutlet part, and an outer cover, wherein the inner flexible bag isfixedly connected to the outlet part, the outer cover encloses the innerflexible bag, the inner flexible bag is separably connected to the outercover by means of the outlet part inserted in a cutout, the outer coveris made of at least two swing-open hard shells connected to each otherfor swinging open by means of at least one hinged joint and having areleasable closure mechanism.

The invention relates to a packaging container, for example, having aninner flexible bag made of a flexible fabric or a flexible film, alaminated fabric, or a laminated film, wherein the inner flexible bagcan also be produced from natural materials such as corn. The innerflexible bag is, for example, relatively impervious or impervious to theexchange of gases or liquids, either by itself or after appropriatetreatment. Impervious or relatively impervious to the exchange of gasesor liquids means that for a 1 L packaging container filled with oneliter of water, stored for 170 days at 23° C. and normal humidity andair pressure, no more than 0.3 vol % of water escapes from the flexiblebag through the bag material. For special requirements, however, a filmcan also be selected for which the barrier requirements are adjustedspecially to the bulk material and perhaps even a desired air exchangecan and should thereby take place. Said flexible properties of the innerbag are a great advantage, especially in production. By using singlematerials, replacement can be made very simple, for example, and doesnot need to be considered beforehand in production processes. This alsosaves storage costs.

The inner flexible bag is preferably fixedly connected to the outletpart. Controlled pouring is thereby made possible. The connection cantakes place by means of a weld seam, by means of an adhesive connection,by clamping, by casting, or by means of introducing a guide wire orstrip made of other materials as well. The welding seam is preferablygenerated by laser welding.

The outlet part can have the shape of a screw closure, a cover, areclosable cap, a valve, or a suitable stopper or cork.

The outlet part is preferably mounted in the lower or upper third of thepackaging container.

The outer cover partially or completely encloses the inner flexible bag,for example, except for the area of the outlet part. Correspondingly, acutout is introduced in said area of the outer cover, for example.

The outlet part having the inner flexible bag attached thereto can beattached at the area about said cutout in the outer cover. Theconnection can take place by means of a welding seam, a gluedconnection, a punching process, a plug connection, a clamping device, orby means of introducing a guide wire, including made of other materials.It can also be that the tear open seam is located at a completelydifferent location (see Figures) due to certain clamping connections,and the container can then be more easily separated from the inner bagby releasing said tear open seam. This version can thus also be applied.

The connection by means of an adhesive connection or a clamped connectedis preferred. The connection must ensure the required minimum level ofstability for the packaging container, while said connection must beeasily separated by pulling on the outlet part with little exerted forcewhen disposing of the components of the packaging container after use.

Said inner flexible bag is preferably not connected to the outer coverover the entire surface thereof. The outer cover can provide the shapeand stability and can also serve for printing advertising and productinformation.

Connection of the inner bag to the outer cover not over the entiresurface preferably means punctiform and/or linear adhesion orinterlocking, wedging, or pinching. In some preferred embodiments, theinner bag is connected to the outer cover at 1-20 places in a punctiformor linear manner. It is also possible that the bag is not connected tothe outer cover at all, and that the stability arises solely due to theshape of the bag, for example, such as for a side fold bag that can beideally inserted in cuboid containers without rotating or collapsing. Apreferred embodiment of the inner flexible bag is the tubular bag. Saidtubular bag does not necessarily have to have the form of a tube,rather, it is possible to provide the tubular bag with a certain shape,so that the tubular bag can have approximately the shape of a cylinder,cube, cuboid, tetrahedron, polygonal container, star, triangle, heart,wedge, liner, oval cylinder, bag, tube, bottle, triangular prism, apyramid, or sphere, and thus can match the contours on the inner side ofthe outer cover that has a comparable shape or some surfaces of a bodyof comparable shape. The inner flexible preferably makes very closecontact with the inner side of the outer cover in the completely filledstate. The inner flexible bag is preferably produced from only onematerial or a composite material such as polyethylene, polyethyleneterephthalate, polypropylene, polyester, polyurethane, or multi-plymaterials made from the preceding materials or other common plastics forstoring liquids and primarily food products. The material for theflexible bag is thus preferably made of a plastic film that can beconstructed from up to 7 layers of potentially different materials. Saidplastic bags can also, however, be vapor coated with aluminum oxide,silicon oxide, and/or other materials producing a barrier. Depending onthe contents for the flexible bag, said bag must protect the contentsagainst water entry or CO2 exit, must be resistant to acid, resistant toalcohol, or protect against sunlight, so that layers deflectingsunlight, reflective to sunlight, or colored flexible bags can be used.

The packaging container comprises a outlet part or a pour openinglocated at a position, for example, where it is possible to pour outsubstantially the entire contents of the package. The outlet part canfurther preferably have a valve allowing only the discharge of thecontents of the packaging container, but not allowing any air or liquidto enter the inner bag in the opposite direction. The outlet part ispreferably located at a corner or an edge or an optimal point prescribedby the shape of the carton or bag of the floor or a side part, and canalso be located at the center of any side of the package. The advantageof said embodiment is that when the fluid, powder, or granulate isdischarged, no or very little air enters the interior of the packagingcontainer, and so the liquid or powder or granulate present in theinterior, and any other goods, make no or very little contact with theair. Oxidation processes are thus prevented, ensuring a longer shelflife of the food products if the packaging container is filled with foodproducts. A valve installed in the outlet part and the flexiblepackaging of the packaging container causes the inner flexible bag tocollapse due to the weight of the liquid and the vacuum created whenemptying. Due to the elastic design, the inner flexible bag does nottake on any or only very little air, protecting the contents of the bagand leading to a longer shelf life of the contents of the bag.

In order to release the liquid from the packaging container, thepackaging container has a pour opening or outlet opening, preferably butnot necessarily having a valve. Said valve, which can be used as a pourspout or metering device must prevent oxygen from entering the packagingcontainer after the liquid or solid is poured out, and must preventfurther liquid or powder from flowing out of the bag.

An example of a valve that can be used according to the invention isshown in the FIGS. 4-7. FIGS. 4-7 show the construction of the valve,which can further have a cover comprising a screw closure. The valvecomprises openings for discharging the contents of the bag. Anembodiment of a valve having three openings is shown in FIG. 7, whereina different number of openings is also possible. A pin on which a rubberring is placed, as shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, is present in the middleof the valve. The rubber ring allows only the discharge of the contentsof the flexible bag from the inside to the outside through the threeopenings, wherein the rubber ring bulges outward under the pressureexerted by the contents of the bag and the contents of the bag pass bythe rubber ring on the sides thereof. As soon as pressure is no longerexerted on the contents of the bag due to the weight of the liquid, avacuum arises in the flexible bag, ensuring that the rubber ring in thevalve is drawn inward and thus closes the three openings in the valve.

As soon as the weight of the bulk material is no longer sufficient toovercome the tension of the rubber valve, and because there is then nolonger very much bulk material in the container, so that final emptyingwill occur soon, the rubber valve can be pulled out, for example bymeans of a small nipple, and the outlet is then continuous open forfinal emptying.

Other potential forms of a valve could also be made of a tubular outlet,wherein the tube comprises a thicker part at one point, wherein adisplaceable sphere is captured, such that the sphere opens the tubefitting leading to the packaging container when pressure is exerted onthe contents of the bag, so that the bag can be emptied, and whenpressure is exerted from the outside into the tube, or due to vacuum inthe flexible bag, the sphere is pressed or drawn in the direction of thebag and closes the tube fitting of the outlet running in the directionof the bag.

The present invention also fundamentally functions without a valve, aslong as the flexible bag is not actively expanded again when emptyingthe flexible bag and before closing off the outlet part, so that air,gas, or liquid can enter the bag.

For conventional packaging containers for liquid food products from thestate of the art, such as the known Tetra-Pak®, a multiple materialtechnology based on a carton is typically used, wherein the same rigidmaterial is used on all surfaces for the design of the packagingcontainer. By using a plurality of relatively rigid materials, theresult is necessarily a rigid and inflexible design. The lack ofelasticity of the packaging material and a pour opening mounted in theupper area also cause air to flow into the container, whereby theproduct comes into contact with air and the product, if it is a foodproduct, thus spoils more quickly. Packaging that is constructed fromdiverse materials glued to each other over the entire surface area, notaccording to the Tetra-Pak® principle, on the other hand, are difficultto stack, rupture more easily, or lose stability when emptied.

Stackability is understood to mean that at least 3 palettes having 11layers each of completely filled packaging containers can be placed oneatop the other without an enclosing carton and without the stackcollapsing.

Said disadvantages from the state of the art are overcome by means ofthe present invention. In particular, easily recycled, strong, stackablepackaging containers are provided that also can be emptied easily andcompletely and prevent air from entering the inner bag when emptying,even without a valve. The packaging containers according to theinvention of said embodiment are preferably made of only three materials(other than adhesive), namely preferably a plastic for the innerflexible bag, a plastic for the outlet part, and a carton, plastic, orother material, including natural material for example, for the outercover.

The object of the invention is to allow easy separation of the differentcomponents of the packaging container, that is, the outer cover and theinner flexible bag having the outlet part. After the packaging containeris used, the user, another person, or an appropriate device can pull onthe outlet part away from the surface in which the outlet part ispresent in the direction perpendicular to the same for said embodiment.The optional punctiform or linear connection of the inner flexible bagto the outer cover is thereby optionally released. In any case, theoutlet part is thereby completely removed from the connection thereof tothe segment placed about the cutout in the outer cover. According to theinvention, this can be done without a problem with little effort. It isthus possible that the outflow part and the inner flexible bag attachedthereto can be pulled out through the cutout. After separating, said twocomponents can be separately disposed of or recycled. According to theinvention, such disposal is possible for a completely emptied, partiallyemptied, full, or never filled state.

In this manner, difficult material separation as is often required inthe state of the art for packaging for milk, for example, is eliminated.

The packaging container presented here has an inner flexible bag and anouter cover and preferably comprises a square or rectangular shape, oranother shape having a base surface, up to one top surface, up to twoside surfaces, a front surface, and a back surface. The invention isfundamentally not limited to particular packaging shapes, so thatunusual shapes such as hearts, starts, tetrahedrons, pyramids, wedges,spheres, or the like can be used, wherein the cube or cuboid shape ispreferred.

The outer cover can alternatively be made of glass and have the shape ofa bottle. An advantage of said variant is that cleaning of the bottlesis thereby eliminated, and only the inner bag must be cleaned to thelevel required for food products.

A further preferred shape of the packaging container is the triangularprism. Said preferred shape of a packaging container has an outer coverforming the three side surfaces of the triangular prism. A preferablycylindrical tubular bag or a tubular bag having a shape alsoapproximating a triangular prism is present within the cover.

The outer cover for said embodiments, preferably a carton or cardboardor a plastic, can be formed from a rectangular matrix that is foldedappropriately and connected or glued along an overlapping part. Thetriangular prism preferably comprises either three equally sized sidesurface and an equilateral triangle as a base surface (a=b=c) or twoequally sized side surfaces and an isosceles triangle as a base surface(a=b≠c).

Some embodiments of the outer cover can be produced according to theinvention to be solid, such that they are also suitable for usingcarbonated beverages in the inner flexible bag. A pressure can therebybuild up over time due to released CO2 within the inner flexible bag,which can lead to a significant increase in the volume of the innerflexible bag. The pressure caused by the increase in volume of the innerflexible bag on the outer cover can be resisted by the same due to thesufficient strength thereof.

A further embodiment relates to a cylindrical outer cover having aninner flexible bag attached therein and filled with granulate ofhousehold chemicals such as drain cleaner. According to the invention,the solid outer cover and the inner flexible bag can be separatelydisposed of or recycled.

In further embodiments, an inner flexible bag can also be used, thevolume thereof in the filled state being significantly smaller than theouter cover. If said inner flexible bag having a small volume collapsesor displaces within the outer cover in an inappropriate manner when thebulk material is removed, then said inner flexible bag having a smallvolume can be attached to the outer cover by means of a special mountingelement. According to the invention, adhesive points or strips can beused here as well, or a hooking device of a corresponding size. Aninsulating air layer is thereby created between the inner bag and theouter container, keeping the bulk material cool or warm for a longertime.

An outlet optionally having a valve can be present at the top edge ofthe packaging container. A further preferred location for mounting theoutlet is the top area of an edge between two side surfaces.

The outlet for the packaging containers according to the invention isshown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The outlet can comprise an external thread inorder to be able to close off the outlet by means of a plug.

FIG. 4 shows an outlet having an inner valve allowing only the dischargeof the contents, but not allowing the entry of air or liquid.

The outer cover of the packaging container can be made from carton,cardboard, paper, fabric, edible materials such as corn or soy, bamboo,wood, plastic, cellulose, glass, a natural material, a textile material,leather, a composite material, metal, or a metal alloy, wherein carton,cardboard, and plastic are preferred and carton is particularlypreferred. It is preferred if only one material is used for the outercover. The outer cover is further preferably not laminated, coated, orconstructed of multiple layers, does not comprises aluminum foil, and isnot connected or glued over the entire area to the material containingthe pourable liquid or the pourable solid. The outer cover can alsopreferably be produced from a folding template. It is not necessary toconnect at least two individual parts in order to obtain the outercover.

The connection, preferably gluing, of the inner flexible bag to theouter cover can be applied as punctiform and/or in strips or adhesivestrips, so that the packaging container obtains the required stabilitybut can be easily separated from the bag in order to be disposed ofseparately. Combinations of punctiform adhesive and linear or strip orcircular adhesive can be used. Each of said 1-20 adhesive places areadhesive areas of greater than 4 mm2. In place of up to 20 of saidlarge-area adhesive locations, several hundred or even several thousandsmall-area adhesive locations can be used, being then preferablydistributed over the area of the carton uniformly or according to aparticular pattern. The type and design of the individual adhesive areasis not significant, but it is important that full-surface adhesion isavoided, and the adhesive area is preferably significantly less than 50%of the total inner carton surface, preferably less than 40% of the totalinner carton surface, further preferably less than 30% of the totalinner carton surface, and particularly preferably less than 20% of thetotal inner carton surface.

It is essential that preferably no full-surface adhesion takes place,wherein full-surface is understood to mean adhesion of an area of 50% orgreater.

In place of or in addition to punctiform adhesive, a linear adhesiveconnection can also take place, extending along the edges or on thesurfaces, for example. The adhesive lines can run horizontally orvertically or diagonally, in straight lines, zigzag shapes, or waves, orcan also have no geometry. The individual lines can be parallel to eachother, approaching each other, or disposed without geometry, can extendalong the side surface, can be continuous or interrupted, and can beextended by punctiform adhesive.

It is preferable that the surface on which the previously describedpunctiform or linear adhesive is applied is the surface opposite theinner side of the outlet part.

Said type of punctiform and/or linear adhesive connection issignificantly different from the adhesive connection of packagingcontainers from the state of the art. For the Tetra-Pak®, for example, afull-surface adhesive connection is used. The packaging containeraccording to the invention thus avoids said known disadvantages bysaving adhesive resources and therefore leads to easily separablematerial combinations and fixations. The packaging container thus alsohas a better recycling property, as the carton can be more easilyseparated from the packaging container with a punctiform adhesiveconnection.

For a further preferred embodiment, the adhesive can detachsuccessively, or be detached successively, depending on the fill levelof the inner flexible bag, whereby the inner flexible bag is not heldopen mechanically but can fold or roll together more easily, but thereduced adhesive surface will not negatively affect the stability of theentire packaging container, because the fill level and thus the mass ofliquid or solid in the inner bag has become less and the remainingadhesive area ensures the required stability.

Particularly important for the packaging containers according to theinvention is that said containers are stackable and sufficientlydimensionally stable to allow stacking of the packaging containers,reducing the space required to a minimum and saving transport costs.

Due to the very good stability and very good stackability thereof,packaging containers in the shape of a triangular prism are also verypreferred.

A further important consideration is the recyclability of the materialsof which the packaging container according to the invention is made. Byusing only three materials (carton and two plastics), better recyclingproperties are achieved relative to packaging containers from the stateof the art that are filled with liquid or powdered food products. Itshould be emphasized that the packaging container according to theinvention is not made of a composite material, as are used for packagingcontainers from the state of the art. The inner flexible bag may indeedbe made from a plurality of materials or material layers that do not,however, need to be separated from each other and that can be recycledtogether. Often the outlet part made of plastic can be disposed oftogether with the inner flexible bag.

By using only a few different materials, not only does the packagingcontainer according to the invention provide a packaging container forparticularly liquid or powdered food products that can be very wellintroduced into the recycling stream, but substantially cost-efficientproduction of the packaging container according to the invention canalso be achieved. Preferably only one material or only one compositematerial is used for the inner flexible bag, as well as only onematerial for the outer cover. After separating the outer cover and theinner bag, two recyclable materials, namely plastic and typicallycarton, are obtained and can be introduced into two recycling streams.Other than the adhesive and the outlet part, the packaging containeraccording to the invention thus preferably comprises only two materialsor material types. Said two materials or material types are preferably aplastic and a carton or cardboard.

Said advantageous combination of properties of the packaging containerpresented here is surprising and provides additional functionalcharacteristics to the packaging container according to the inventionrelative to packaging containers produced according to the state of theart. The packaging container according to the invention is stackable andprovides optimal space utilization, is very easy to recycle, can becompletely emptied, and prevents the entry of air or liquid into thecontainer, whereby the contents have a longer shelf life.

The present invention thus relates to packaging containers preferablyfor liquid food products, wherein the packaging containers preferably donot fill with air when emptied. It is further advantageous if the innerbag is preformed in the shape of the outer cover, that is in the shapeof the packaging container, and thus comprises a cuboid shape, cubeshape, tetrahedral shape, pyramidal shape, wedge shape, prism shape,etc. in the fully filled state. It is finally also essential to theinvention that there is no full-surface adhesive or other connectionbetween the inner bag and the outer cover, the cover and bag are notlaminated to each other, and the material forming the bag is not aninner layer of the outer cover, and the material forming the bag can beeasily separated from the outer cover by the consumer.

The present invention further relates to a method for separatelydisposing of the inner flexible bag and outer cover, comprising thefollowing steps:

-   -   a) Providing a packaging container according to one of the        preceding claims;    -   b) Separating the outlet part and the inner flexible bag        attached thereto from the outer cover by pulling on the outlet        part;    -   c) Pulling the outlet part and the inner flexible bag attached        thereto out of the outer cover; and    -   d) Separately disposing of the inner flexible bag having the        outlet part attached thereto and the outer cover.

The present invention further comprises a method for producing andfilling a packaging container as previously described, comprising thefollowing steps:

-   -   a) Providing a filled, partially filled, or non-filled inner        flexible bag having an outlet opening, an outer cover, and an        outlet part;    -   b) Fixedly connecting the outlet part to the outlet opening of        the inner flexible bag;    -   c) Inserting the composite of the outlet part and the inner        flexible bag into the outer cover, wherein the outlet part makes        contact in the area of the cutout of the outer cover;    -   d) Attaching the inner flexible bag to the inner side of the        outer cover at 1 to 20 locations in a punctiform or linear        manner;    -   e) Attaching the outlet part in the area of the cutout of the        outer cover.

Subsequently to the previously described method, the follow step canalso be optionally performed:

-   -   f) If the inner flexible bag was not filled or was partially        filled for step a), complete or partial filling of the packaging        container by means of the outlet part.

In a further preferred embodiment, an optional carry handle is a part ofthe packaging system. In practice, transporting a plurality of thepreviously described packaging containers has proven to be difficult. Inthe state of the art there are already outer packagings that collate aplurality of packaging units. In the field of liquid food products, theso-called “six-pack” is well known. Here an outer packaging made ofcarton, or in rare cases made of plastic, encloses six bottle disposedadjacent to each other in two groups of three. Depending on theembodiment, more comfortable transportation is possible, and sometimessaid outer packaging serves only for ensuring that the consumerpurchases a minimum quantity. The disadvantage of such outer packagingsis the production of additional waste material. The carton or plasticmaterial used therefor can, in the best case, be introduced to thegeneral recycled material flow for said category. Tearing open the outerpackaging is also not always possible without trouble.

Said problem is solved for the previously described embodiments by thecarry handle according to the invention. Said flat part is made of arectangular base inserted between the packaging containers disposed in arow of two, and an upper part protruding as an extension of therectangular base to the top side of the row of two packaging containers.Said upper part can also have the shape of a rectangle, wherein thedimensions do not need to correspond to those of the rectangular base,or it can be trapezoidal in shape. For the trapezoidal shape, theshorter parallel side is preferably located on the top side of the upperpart. A cutout is made in the upper part, forming a handle area,allowing transportation of the packaging system by inserting thefingers.

Suitable materials are hard plastics, hard fiber, solid carton, metal,metal alloys, wood, composite materials, fiberglass, rattan, orcombinations thereof. The upper part and the rectangular base do nothave to be made from the same material. A uniform material is, however,preferred. Embodiments made of hard plastic are particularly preferable.

The carry handle according to the invention comprises an attachmentregion at the height of each packaging container on the outer sides ofthe rectangular base, allowing stable connection of the carry handle tothe packaging containers. At the same time, said attachment must,however, allow the individual packaging container to be separated fromthe carry handle, and thus from the entire carrying unit, with littleeffort.

Said attachment region can be made of a plurality of adhesive points.Said adhesive points provide the required strength but are easilyseparated. In a preferred embodiment, each packaging container isconnected to the carry handle by means of two attachment regions appliedone over the other. Each of said attachment regions comprises aplurality of adhesive points disposed in the shape of a circle orellipsoid. Separation at said adhesive points takes place by simplytearing off the carry handle. Alternatively, a thin, continuous adhesiveline or a plurality of thin, linear circular or ellipsoid adhesivesegments can be used. For said embodiments, full-surface adhesive is notrequired and therefore not preferred. After separating all packagingcontainers, the carry handle can either be used again in a dedicatedrecycling process after a cleaning step in order to remove the residualadhesives, or can be introduced into a material recycling flowcorresponding to the material thereof.

In a further preferred embodiment, full-surface adhesive is presentbetween two circular or oval attachment regions applied one over theother between the carry handle and the packaging container. The carryhandle is perforated at the edge of such an attachment region. Thedistance between the perforation holes is designed such that simpletearing at the carry handle leads to an intended rupture at saidperforation line. The glued areas of the carry handle thus remain on thepackaging container, while an intended cutout is formed in the carryhandle in said areas. After separating all packaging containers, thecarry handle can be introduced to a recycling material flowcorresponding to the material thereof, but is not suitable for directrecycling.

In a preferred embodiment, the carry handle is made from two halves thatare mirror images and connected to each other by means of a fold line ora hinged connection. Such a method of production allows the adhesiverequired for attachment to be applied to only one side of the carryhandle. The two mirror-image halves are brought into contact with eachother by folding one half at the fold line or the hinged connection, sothat the two sides coated with adhesive are positioned facing outward.In further embodiments, the two halves can also be connected to eachother for the purpose of stabilization by at least one further adhesiveconnection, a plug connection, a button connection, a folding mechanism,a clip device, or combinations thereof. A folding mechanism ispreferred, wherein the cutout is punched out only on three sides in thegrip area of one or both mirror-image halves, while the side facingupward during the carrying process is not punched out, but comprises afold line or a hinged connection. Such an arrangement makes it possiblethat when the two mirror-image halves are placed one above the other,the material part of one half remaining in the grip area can be bentthrough the grip to the opposite side of the carry handle and foldedupward there. If such a remaining material part is also present on theopposite side, said part is also folded upward. The two mirror-imagehalves are thereby stabilized adjacent to each other. In an alternativeembodiment, the first material part remaining in the grip area comprisesonly one half of the cutout area, wherein the separation line isperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cutout area. Acomplementary second material part is present in the mirror-image halfof the carry handle in the area of the grip not covered by the firstmaterial part. Said arrangement allows the first and the second materialpart to be fed through the corresponding grip of the mirror-image halfand bent upward there, in order to stabilize the carry handle.

In alternative embodiments, hook-and-loop fasteners can be used. Theattachment regions described in the preceding embodiments are eachformed by a hook strips or a loop strip of a hook-and-loop fastener.Square or rectangular attachment regions are thereby preferred. It isnot important here whether the hook strip or the loop strip is appliedto the carry handle or the packaging container. An advantage of saidembodiment is that the carry handle can be reused immediately. If theouter cover of the packaging container is also made of plastic, then theouter cover and the part of the hook-and-loop fastener present thereoncan be disposed of together, or optionally introduced to a recyclingsystem.

In a further embodiment, the connection between the carry handle and thepackaging containers is made by magnetic forces. A permanent magnet isthereby installed in the attachment region of the carry handle, while amagnetizable substance is present in the corresponding attachment regionin the outer cover of the packaging container. A light pull or push onthe packaging container separates the same from the carry handle. Anadvantage of said embodiment is again that the carry handle can bereused immediately.

A further preferred group of embodiments of the packaging systemaccording to the invention relates to the nature of the outer cover. Forsaid embodiments, the outer cover is made of at least two hard,mirror-image hollow shapes or hard shells connected to each other on oneside by means of at least one hinged connection, while the two hardshells are releasably connected to each other at the opposite side formirror-image joining of the two hard shells by means of at least oneclosure mechanism, thus forming a hollow body. The at least two hardshells each comprise a flat base part, forming the base of the outercover and thus of the packaging container according to the inventionwhen joined together. The area of said base parts must have a ratiorelative to the vertical dimensions of the hard shells allowing stablestorage of the inner flexible bag in the vertical position in both thefilled and the emptied state. Said outer cover having such a nature mustalso comprise a cutout into which the outlet part and the inner flexiblebag connected thereto is inserted. Said outlet part is present either inthe top or in the bottom third of the corresponding hard shell. If thecutout for receiving the outlet part is present at the top side of theupright packaging container, the cutout can be mounted in the center,that is, if two mirror-image hard shells are used, a semicircular cutouthaving the same radius is made in the center of the edge making contactin the center, adjoining each other to form a circular cutout when thetwo half shells are brought together. When using more than two hardshells, or two hard shells of different sizes, the cutout changesaccordingly. Embodiments having two mirror-image hard shells are,however, particularly preferred. The cutout can alternatively also bemade on only one side of the surface. In this case, the hard shellswould therefore be asymmetrical in the area of the top sides thereof.Alternatively, there are also embodiments according to the inventionwherein the outlet part is located at the bottom side of the packagingcontainer. Said embodiment are exact mirror images of those previouslydescribed. For some embodiment, the outlet part is further mounted inthe lower third of the packaging container. Variants having an outlettap are preferred.

The invention thus relates to a packaging container for pourableliquids, powders, and granulates comprising an inner flexible bag havingan outlet opening, and outlet part, and an outer cover, wherein theinner flexible bag is fixedly connected to the outlet part, the outercover encloses the inner flexible bag, the inner flexible bag isseparably connected to the outer cover by means of the outlet partinserted in a recess, the outer cover is made of at least two swing-openhard shells connected to each other for swinging open by means of atleast one hinged joint and having a releasable closure mechanism.

A packaging container for pourable liquids, powders, and granulatescomprising an inner flexible bag having an outlet opening, an outercover, and an outlet part is preferred, wherein the inner flexible bagis not connected to the outer cover, the outer cover is made of twomirror-image hard shells connected to each other by means of at leastone hinged connection on the one side of the hard shells and by means ofat least one releasable closure mechanism on the opposite side of thehard shells, or by means of at least two releasable closure mechanisms,the outer cover completely encloses the inner flexible bag except forthe area of the outlet part, the inner flexible bag is fixedly connectedto the outlet part, and the inner flexible bag is reversibly attached tothe bottom edge of the outer cover.

In further embodiments, according to the invention, there can also be atleast two cutouts for inserting the outlet part into the hard shells.Said cutouts can be made in arbitrary combinations on the correspondingsides. It is, however, preferred that the at least two cutouts arelocated on the same side. For example, one cutout can be made in eachtop side of a hard shell. It is preferable to install exactly one outletpart having an associated inner flexible bag in each cutout. Embodimentsare also conceivable, however, wherein at least two outlet parts arepresent on one inner flexible bag and are then inserted in the at leasttwo cutouts. It is also conceivable that one or more cutouts are notused.

The outlet part can be produced as for the previously describedembodiments preferably having an outer cover made of carton. Here againembodiments having a valve allowing only the discharge of the contentsof the packaging container, but not allowing any air or liquid to enterthe inner bag in the opposite direction, are preferred.

The materials for the hard shells must comprise sufficient stability andwear resistance.

Suitable materials are plastics, composite materials, metal, metalalloys, hard fiber, wood, glass, stone, ceramic, porcelain, ceramides,pressed cardboard, cellulose, leather, hardened bast, rattan, naturalmaterials, textile materials, and combinations thereof.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the hard shells are madeentirely of plastic. Suitable plastics are polyethylene (PE),polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PET), polyester, polystyrene,polyamide, polycarbonate, and other polymers preferably comprising nohalogens.

There are no fundamental size requirements for the hard shells accordingto the invention. Sizes that can be used for household use or typicalretail purchase quantities, however, are preferred. Product information,advertisements, or a two or three-dimensional design can optionally beapplied to the outer sides of the hard shells.

In a preferred embodiment, one or two of the side surface of the hardshells comprise a handle suitable for allowing removal by gripping withthe fingers. For industrial uses, a handle or a grip edge can also beused that can serve as a contact point for a gripper arm.

The hinged connection between the hard shells can be permanent orseparable. In the latter case, the hard shells can be separated oroptionally replaced or combined again for different designs.

All typical possibilities can be considered for the hinged components.The hinge components can be made of the materials listed above for theflat parts. The flat parts and hinge components are preferably made ofthe same material. The hinge components can be rotated to nearly 360°,limited only by the thickness of the flat parts, or can compriseblocking devices allowing rotation of approximately 180° or 90°.

The opposite separable closure mechanism can be a pushbutton, a flap, aclip, an insertion tab, a plug connection, a click connection, a hookconnection, a snap closure, a screw connection, an adhesive connection,or a seam.

Said closure mechanism can be mounted unidirectionally or in parallel(bidirectionally.)

A closure mechanism wherein at least one hinged connection is made of atleast one return spring is also considered to be according to theinvention. No such device is thereby mounted at the edges of the hardshells where a connection is present in the previously describedembodiments. The spring constant for each return spring is selected suchthat little force is required for opening the hard shells, and that thehard shells close tightly again after loading or removing the innerflexible bag, thus ensuring secure transportation and secure use of thepackaging container.

In some embodiments, said hinged connection can also be replaced by areleasable closure type described above. In this case, the hard shellscan be completely separated from each other. For said embodiments, it ispreferred that the releasable closures between the hard shells areidentical.

In further preferred embodiments, hook-and-loop fasteners or magneticconnections are used as previously described for the carry handle.

For further variants, the previously described hinged connection islocated in the upper part or the base of the packaging containerproduced as a flat part. In this case, the side parts are connected toeach other by means of two releasable closure mechanisms as previouslydescribed. Here again it is preferred that the releasable closuremechanisms are identical. The cutout for receiving the outlet part inthe hard shell is then preferably located at the side, or on the sideopposite the hinged connection.

A seal made of paper or plastic can optionally be applied over the atleast one releasable closure mechanism. It can thereby be ensured thatno exchange or removal of the inner flexible bag has been done by theproducer or by a vendor between filling and loading. Such a seal canthus be used as an original certificate.

The packaging containers made of hard shells can be egg-shaped,eggplant-shaped, pear-shaped, kidney-shaped, bell-shaped, spherical,cylindrical, conical, in the shape of a conical section, cuboid,pyramidal, or combinations thereof.

Arbitrary shapes of cutouts can also be made in the side parts asdesired. Material can thereby be saved from the hard shells, andvisibility into to the interior of the hollow body having the innerflexible bag is made possible. Furthermore, according to the invention,the surface of the side parts can be varied, such as by acircumferential wavy shape. Said shape can cover the entire surface oronly a certain segment of the side parts. An advantage arises from theimproved accessibility for household use.

The side parts of the hard shells in said embodiments, if not coveringthe full surface, can be made of a frame comprising vertical,horizontal, or diagonal bars each at a quantity of 0-10, preferably 1-5,more preferably 2-3, or can have a mesh structure. Said bars can be notonly linear, but can also take on arbitrary curves, circles, waves,zigzag shapes, and the like.

The outlet part having the inner flexible bag attached thereto must beinserted in the cutout in the hard shell provided therefor. Any typicalclamping and closure mechanisms are thereby conceivable. If thepackaging container comprises only one cutout for receiving the outletpart, that is, each hard shell comprises a semicircular cutout made atthe edge of the top part, the outlet part is inserted in one of the twosemicircular cutouts. One edge of the outlet part makes annular contactdirectly above and directly below the top part. When the two hard shellsare closed, the inner flexible bag is thus clamped between the two hardshells. The two annular edges above and below the top part of the hardshells prevent the inner flexible bag from being unintentionally pulledout of the outer cover, or from falling out, or the outlet part fromfalling into the interior of the packaging container, particularly in astate of advanced emptiness.

If at least two cutouts are present in the hard shells for receiving theoutlet part, then a corresponding quantity of keyhole-shaped openingsare present at the contact edges of the top parts of the hard shells.The outlet part thereby comes into the central circular part of thecutout, wherein the narrowest location of the tapering access part ofthe cutout, located at the edge of the central circular part of thecutout, functions as a clamping mechanism. The outlet part can beattached and later removed with little effort in this manner.

The inner flexible bag must be attached according to the invention toone or both hard shells on the side opposite the outlet part, in orderto allow optimal emptying of the bag contents. Said attachment ispreferably a process that is easy to perform intuitively understood.

In a preferred embodiment, one or both flat shells comprises a hookingdevice for the contacting side of the inner flexible bag. The hook canthereby be on the flat part and the loop on the inner flexible bag, orthe loop can be on the flat part and the hook on the inner flexible bag.

In a further preferred embodiment, the bottom side of the inner flexiblebag is made so as to have a press seam or a weld seam. The innerflexible bag is inserted into a guide rail by means of said seam, saidrail being present on the contacting side of the flat shell or flatshells. The guide rail is preferably mounted on the guide rail such thatwhen the hard shells are brought together, both halves of the guide railform a continuum. Said guide rail retains the inner flexible bag inposition and prevents the inner flexible bag from unintentionallysliding out of the rail during transport and/or use. Said guide rail canbe a simple clamping mechanism, or an additional, actively operatedclamping mechanism, such as a knurled screw or a clamping switch. In aparticularly preferred embodiment, the inner flexible bag comprisessufficient material below said seam that some of the seam protrudes inthe form of two strips. By means of said region, said seam is insertedin such a rail from the side, wherein the seam makes contact with abottleneck in the profile of the guide rail. Unintentional sliding outis thereby prevented.

In a further embodiment, the inner flexible bag is attached to one orboth hard shells by means of a hook-and-loop fastener on the side facingaway from the outlet part on the contacting surface of one or both hardshells. It is thereby not important whether the hook strip is applied tothe inner flexible bag and the loop strip to the hard shell, or viceversa.

In a further preferred embodiment, a permanent magnet is present in thebases of the hard shells, while a magnetizable material is present inthe contacting side of the inner flexible bag. The magnetic forcesarising from the contact make it possible to retain the inner flexiblebag in the desired stable position within the folded outer cover. At thesame time, however, said magnetic forces can be overcome by a slightapplication of force by user, another person, or a device, therebyallowing separation of the inner flexible bag from said hard shellswithout a problem.

For the use of hard shells as well, in further embodiments, an innerflexible bag can also be used, the volume thereof in the filled statebeing significantly smaller than the outer cover. Here again the innerflexible bag is optionally attached to the outer cover by means of aspecial mounting element. According to the invention, a correspondinglysized hooking device can be used for this purpose.

Advantages of using hard shells as the outer cover of the packagingcontainer according to the invention are robustness and easy applicationand removal of the inner flexible bag.

The use of hard shells is also particularly well suited for a recyclingsystem, forming a part of the packaging system according to theinvention. After removing the inner flexible bag, the hard shells arealready separated at the releasable closure mechanism. While the innerflexible bag can be introduced to a suitable material recycling stream,the hard shells can be used again immediately. As a rule, no cleaningstep is required. Otherwise the hard shells can also be recycled.Collection points at a retailer and/or producer of the inner flexiblebag having a particular content are suitable for this purpose. The hardshells can be loaded with a new inner flexible bag on site, or can becollected and brought to such a site.

If the hard shells have rounded side parts, then said shells can bestacked in one another particularly easily for saving space. Connectedby means of the hinged connection, two piles growing at the same ratearise adjacent to each other. If the hard shells are also separated atthe hinged connection, they can of course be stacked in one another inone or more piles.

This is particularly well suited for collection points in consumermarkets and for industrial operations where many hard shells are used.When stacked in one another, said shells can easily be brought to theintended site.

Said embodiments using hard shells as outer covers also relate to amethod for separately disposing of the inner flexible bag and outercover, comprising the following steps:

-   -   a) Providing a packaging container according to one of the        preceding claims;    -   b) Unfolding the hard shells of the outer cover;    -   c) Pulling the outlet part and the inner flexible bag attached        thereto out of the corresponding hard shell; and    -   d) Separately disposing of the inner flexible bag having the        outlet part attached thereto and the outer cover.

Said embodiments further relate to a method for producing and filling apackaging container, comprising the following steps:

-   -   a) Providing a filled, partially filled, or non-filled inner        flexible bag having an outlet opening, an outer cover, and an        outlet part;    -   b) Inserting the outlet part into the outlet opening of the        inner flexible bag;    -   c) Inserting the composite of the outlet part and the inner        flexible bag into the outer cover, wherein the outlet part makes        contact in the area of the cutout of said hard shells;    -   d) Attaching the side of the inner flexible bag facing away from        the outlet part to the side of the outer cover facing away from        the cutout of the outer cover; and    -   e) Closing the hard shells.

The following step can also be optionally performed subsequently to thepreviously described method:

-   -   f) If the inner flexible bag was not filled or was partially        filled for step a), complete or partial filling of the packaging        container by means of the outlet part.

In a further preferred embodiment, the outer cover is made from aplurality of flat parts. Said flat parts can be formed into a suitableouter cover for the packaging container according to the invention bysuitable folding. Said outer cover encloses the inner flexible bagnearly completely in the folded state. At least one of said flat partshas a cutout suitable for the outlet part and the inner flexible bagattached thereto to be attached to said flat part or alternatively to beinserted in the cutout. The flat parts adjacent to each other in theunfolded state are displaceable relative to each other either by a foldor a by at least one hinge component. The flat part located distally tothe outlet part in the folded state has an attachment device for theinner flexible bag. Furthermore, the flat parts adjacent to each otherin the folded state but not in the unfolded state comprise at least onemutually tuned closure device allowing the outer cover to remain in thefolded state and the entire packaging container to be stabilized. Theinner flexible bag, in turn, is fixedly connected to the outlet part.

The term ‘flat parts’ describes the side parts, the base, and the topcover of the outer cover of the packaging container according to theinvention.

The ‘unfolded state’ in this context means that the flat part are foldedso as to form a two-dimensional shape or plane. In said state, the flatpart adjacent to each other are retained to each other by a fold or ahinge component.

The ‘folded state’ in this context means that the flat parts are foldedso as to form a three-dimensional shape or a spatial body having theshape of the packaging container according to the invention.

The flat parts in said embodiments can cover the full surface, can bemade of a frame comprising vertical, horizontal, or diagonal bars eachat a quantity of 0-10, preferably 1-5, more preferably 2-3, or can havea mesh structure.

Said bars can be not only linear, but can also take on arbitrary curves,circles, waves, zigzag shapes, and the like.

The flat parts can be made according to the invention out of carton,cardboard, paper, fabric, edible materials such as corn or soy, bamboo,wood, hard fiber, plastic, synthetic material, cellulose, glass, rattan,a natural material, a textile material, leather, a composite material,metal, or a metal alloy.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the flat parts are made entirelyof plastic or synthetic material. Suitable plastics are polyethylene(PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PET), polyester, polystyrene,polyamide, polycarbonate, and other polymers preferably comprising nohalogens.

Natural polymers such as starch, cellulose, and derivatives thereof arealso suitable.

In a further embodiment, the flat parts comprise an intended foldingline in the longitudinal axis or transverse axis thereof, or are made oftwo parts connected by means of at least one additional hingedconnection as described below. Said additional subdivision can serve toimprove stackability or easier transport of the unfolded outer cover.The intended folding line or the hinged connection are locatedpreferably horizontally at the height of half the width or length of theflat parts.

According to the invention, however, the flat parts can also comprise atleast two intended folding lines. A person skilled in the art can applythe same by implication using technical knowledge, or modify existingembodiments without deviating from the idea of the present invention.

According to the invention, at least the flat part intended for the topcover of the packaging container comprises a cutout for attaching theoutlet part and the inner flexible bag connected thereto. Said cutoutcan be circular, or can have an access to a side of the top cover of thepackaging container accessible when loading, whereby loading can takeplace by means of said side opening. Such a cutout in the shape of akeyhole is preferred. The outlet part thereby comes into the centralcircular part of the cutout, wherein the narrowest location of thetapering access part of the cutout, located at the edge of the centralcircular part of the cutout, functions as a clamping mechanism. Theoutlet part can be attached and later removed with little effort in thismanner.

The outlet part can, however, also be attached by means of a hingedclosure or a lever in further embodiments. Alternatively, an adhesiveconnection or a hook-and-loop fastener is also according to theinvention.

All typical possibilities can be considered for the hinge components.The hinge components can be made of the materials listed above for theflat parts. The flat parts and hinge components are preferably made ofthe same material. The hinge components can be rotated to nearly 360°,limited only by the thickness of the flat parts, or can compriseblocking devices allowing rotation of approximately 180° or 90°.

Closure devices stabilizing the folded packaging container loaded withan inner flexible bag are located at the side surfaces of the flat partsthat are not adjacent to each other in the unfolded state but areadjacent to each other in the folded state. All typical closure devicesare conceivable for this purpose. Plug connections, hooking connections,snap closures and magnetic closures, hook-and-loop fasteners, andarbitrary combinations thereof are preferred. Plug connections areparticularly preferred. Mounting of the corresponding complementaryparts of a closure device to the side surfaces of the flat parts isconceivable in all combinations according to the invention.

The inner flexible bag and the outlet part in said embodiments comprisethe same characteristics and potential variations as the previouslydescribed embodiments.

In a preferred embodiment, the flat part located opposite the outletpart comprises a hooking device of the adjacent side of the innerflexible bag. The hook can thereby be on the flat part and the loop onthe inner flexible bag, or the loop can be on the flat part and the hookon the inner flexible bag.

In a further preferred embodiment, the bottom side of the inner flexiblebag is made so as to have a press seam or a weld seam. By means of saidseam, the inner flexible bag is inserted into a guide rail present onthe inner side of the flat part of the outer cover intended as a lowercover. Said guide rail retains the inner flexible bag in position andprevents the inner flexible bag from unintentionally sliding out of therail during transport and/or use. Said guide rail can be a simpleclamping mechanism, or an additional, actively operated clampingmechanism, such as a knurled screw or a clamping switch. In aparticularly preferred embodiment, the inner flexible bag comprisessufficient material below said seam that some of the seam protrudes inthe form of two strips. By means of said region, said seam is insertedin such a rail from the side, wherein the seam makes contact with abottleneck in the profile of the guide rail. Unintentional sliding outis thereby prevented.

In a further preferred embodiment, a permanent magnet is present in saidflat part, while a magnetizable material is present in the contactingside of the inner flexible bag. The magnetic forces arising from thecontact make it possible to retain the inner flexible bag in the desiredstable position within the folded outer cover. At the same time,however, said magnetic forces can be overcome by a slight application offorce by user, another person, or a device, thereby allowing separationof the inner flexible bag from said flat part without a problem.

For the use of foldable flat parts as well, in further embodiments, aninner flexible bag can also be used, the volume thereof in the filledstate being significantly smaller than the outer cover. Here again theinner flexible bag is optionally attached to the outer cover by means ofa special mounting element. According to the invention, acorrespondingly sized hooking device can be used here as well.

One application of said embodiment having an outer cover made offoldable flat parts is the use thereof in an integrated recyclingsystem. The bulk material, for example a drinkable liquid such as milkor orange juice, is provided enclosed in the inner flexible bag. Saidinner flexible bag is inserted in the outer cover such that said flatparts are folded about the inner flexible bag. The inner flexible bag isthereby suspended or attached by means of the outlet part to the cutoutof the flat part of the outer cover provided as the top cover. The innerflexible bag is attached at the underside thereof to the flat part ofthe outer cover provided as the base cover. The closure devices of theouter cover are closed, whereby the shape of the packaging container isstabilized and the packaging container can be used by the user. When nofurther bulk material can or should be removed from the packagingcontainer, the outer cover and the inner flexible bag are separated fromeach other by reversing the steps described for assembly. The outercover is used again in the same form. The outer cover is also optionallycleaned as needed after each use or at defined intervals. The innerflexible bag having the outlet part is introduced to a suitablerecycling process.

An advantage for the use of sizes of the inner flexible bag and outercover that are not matched to each other is that only one size of hardshells or foldable flat parts is required in order to market variousvolumes of an inner flexible bag. The recycling system for the outercover is correspondingly simplified and optionally more easilystandardized.

The assembly and disassembly of the packaging container according to theinvention can be performed by the end consumer, the producer of thefilled inner flexible bags, a vendor, or personnel specialized therein,or combinations thereof.

When using either hard shells or flat parts as the outer cover, saidrecycling system can be combined according to the invention with adeposit system, wherein the end consumer pays a deposit fee whenpurchasing an assembled and filled packaging container, and is repaidsaid fee when the unfolded outer cover and/or the emptied inner flexiblebag is returned to a location provided for this purpose. Payment andrefunding of the deposit fee can take place using cash, a credit card, adedicated payment card produced for this purpose, deposit chips to bepurchased in advance, or by invoicing.

The present invention accordingly relates to a method for loading andseparating a packaging container comprising the following steps:

-   -   a) Providing an outer cover and an inner flexible bag connected        to the outlet part;    -   b) Inserting the outlet part and the inner flexible bag        connected thereto into the corresponding device at the cutout of        a flat part;    -   c) Using the packaging container as intended;    -   d) Removing the outlet part and the inner flexible bag connected        thereto from the corresponding device at the cutout of a flat        part;    -   e) Disposing of the outlet part and the inner flexible bag        connected thereto;    -   f) Unfolding the outer cover; and    -   g) Reusing the outer cover.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows an inner flexible bag (5) according to the invention havinga fixedly attached outlet part (9).

FIG. 2 shows the production and disposal of the packaging container (1)according to the invention.

-   -   a) Outer cover (3). In said embodiment, the outer cover (3) is        made of solid or corrugated cardboard.    -   b) Inner flexible bag (5) having a fixedly connected outlet part        (9). In said embodiment, the inner flexible bag (5) is a tubular        bag having liquid contents.    -   c) The inner flexible bag (5) having a fixedly connected outlet        part (9), inserted in the outer cover (3). The red arrow points        to a red dot representing the punctiform adhesive on the base of        the outer cover (3).    -   d) Principle of disposal: By pulling on the outlet part (9) in        the direction of the arrow, said part is separated together with        the fixedly attached inner flexible bag (5) from the adhesive on        the base of the outer cover (3) and from the cutout (21) in the        top cover of the outer cover (3) and pulled out through the        cutout (21). Both components can then be disposed of separately.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of three potential embodiments of the packagingcontainer (1) according to the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a potential form of an outlet part (9) having an innervalve.

FIG. 5 shows a potential form of an outlet part (9) having a closure,particularly a reclosable screw closure.

FIG. 6 shows a potential outlet part (9) having a thread and no valve.

FIG. 7 shows a different view of an outlet (9) having a thread and novalve.

FIG. 8 shows a carry handle having packaging containers mounted on bothsides thereof.

FIG. 9 shows a carry handle having a grip for transporting and twoattachment regions for three packaging containers (1) each disposed oneabove the other. The adhesive points disposed as ellipsoids are shownfor each attachment region.

FIG. 10 shows a packaging container (1) after separating from the carryhandle. The two fully glued attachment regions disposed one above theother have been broken out from the carry handle along the perforationline and remain on the packaging container.

FIG. 11 shows an expanded carry handle made of two mirror-image halves.The attachment regions having the adhesive points are applied to onlyone side. The cut-out lines allowing the material part to beipsilaterally or contralaterally folded in the grip region are shown.

FIG. 12 shows packaging containers (1) wherein the outer cover (3) ismade of hard shells. The mirror-image hard shells are connected at oneside by means of a hinge connection. The opposite sides of the two hardshells are connected to each other by means of a pushbutton when joinedtogether. The outlet part (9) of the inner flexible bag (5) can beinserted in the cutout (21) in the hard shell provided therefor. At thebottom left is shown how the two hard shells connected by the hingeconnection can be stacked.

FIG. 13 shows a variant of the hard shells from FIG. 12. Here the hingeconnection is located between the two hard shells at the bottom of thehard shells. Hard shells having such a design can be loaded similarlyand stored one inside the other after use.

FIG. 14 shows a further variant of the hard shells from FIG. 12. Herethe packaging container (1) is loaded with two inner flexible bags. Eachof the two hard shells accordingly comprises a dedicated cutout (21) forreceiving the outlet part (9) in the top part thereof, into which thecorresponding inner flexible bag (5) is inserted.

FIG. 15 shows further potential embodiments for the hard shellsaccording to the invention.

FIG. 16 shows a foldable outer cover (3) for a packaging container (1)according to the invention in the unfolded state. In said embodiment,the outer cover (3) will take on the shape of a cuboid in the foldedstate. The flat parts adjacent to each other in the unfolded state aredisplaceable relative to each other either by hinged components. Theplug connections protruding out of the side surfaces of the flat partsform a potential closure device with the holes made accordingly in theflat parts making contact with each other in the folded state. A cutout(21) is made in the flat part provided as the top cover, at which theoutlet part (9) having the fixedly connected inner flexible bag (5) canbe inserted.

FIG. 17 shows three-dimensionally how a foldable outer cover (3) can betransformed from the unfolded state to the folded state.

FIG. 18 shows in a sequence of images from left to right how the innerflexible bag (5) can be inserted in the foldable outer cover (3). If theimage sequence is read from right to left, it can be seen how thepackaging container (1) can be disassembled after use into the twocomponents again, which can in turn be introduced into separatedrecycling processes.

FIG. 19 shows a packaging container (1) having an outer cover (3) thatcan be plugged together, wherein the individual packaging containers (1)in turn can be plugged together, resulting in the six-pack shown, forexample. The hook-shaped plug connections can be easily seen in FIG. 19.

FIG. 20 shows a packaging container (1) having an outer cover (3) thatcan be plugged together, wherein the individual packaging containers (1)in turn can be plugged together, resulting in the six-pack shown, forexample. The plug connections having the shape of screw heads can beeasily seen in FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 shows an individual packaging container (1) from the six-packaccording to FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 shows a plug connection having the shape of a screw head, as isused for the packaging container (1) according to FIG. 21 and for thesix-pack according to FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 shows various embodiments of the packaging container (1) havinga “beak”, as is typical for packaging of fruit juice or milk, forexample.

FIG. 24 shows further embodiments of the packaging container (1) as ahorizontal cuboid, in a classical cuboid shape, and as a pyramid.

FIG. 25 shows embodiments of the inner flexible bag (5). At the topleft, a side folding bag can be seen, providing integral standingability due to the shape thereof, and not as easily collapsing whenpouring out.

EXAMPLES Example 1

A packaging container for 1 L of milk is described, comprising a tubularbag and an outer cover.

The tubular bag is made of polyethylene and is welded so as to haveapproximately the shape of a cuboid having edge lengths of 9.5 cm×5.5cm×19.2 cm and a volume capacity of 1 L. Centered on the top side about1.5 cm from the shorter edge is the outlet opening, optionally having avalve.

The outer cover is made of cardboard and comprises edge lengths of 10cm×5.5 cm×19.5 cm.

The tubular bag is glued to the base of the outer cover by means of twoadhesive strips disposed as a cross in the center of the base surface.The outlet opening of the tubular bag is further pulled through anopening in the outer carton and retained on both sides of the carton bymeans of a rubber ring. When the tubular bag is completely emptied, thebag can be pulled by the outlet opening through the corresponding cutoutin the outer carton, wherein the adhesive on the base of the outercarton separates under the tensile stress and the adhesive largelyremains on the tubular bag. The carton and tubular bag can thereby beseparated easily and recycled.

Example 2

A packaging container for 1 L of mineral water is described, comprisingan inner flexible tubular bag and an outer cover made of twomirror-image hard shells.

The tubular bag is made of polyethylene terephthalate and is welded soas to have approximately the shape of a cuboid having edge lengths of9.5 cm×5.5 cm×19.2 cm and a volume capacity of 1 L. Centered on the topside about 1 cm from the shorter edge is the outlet opening, optionallyhaving a valve.

The outer cover comprises eggplant-shaped hard shells made ofpolycarbonate and has a height of 19.5 cm.

The inner flexible cover comprises a hook and one of the two hard shellscomprises an eye for hooking the inner flexible cover.

The top sides of the two hard shells each comprise a semicircular cutouthaving the same radius on the contact line thereof.

The two hard shells are attached to each other by means of a pushbutton,wherein one hard shell comprises the top part and the other hard shellcomprises the bottom part of the pushbutton.

Example 3

A packaging container for 1 L of vinegar and 1 L of oil is described,comprising two inner flexible tubular bags and an outer cover made oftwo mirror-image hard shells.

One tubular bag is made of polyester and the other is made ofpolyurethane. Each comprise edge lengths of 9.5 cm×5.5 cm×19.2 cm and avolume capacity of 1 L. Centered at the top of each hard shell andapproximately 1.3 cm from the shorter edge is an outlet opening,optionally having a valve.

The outer cover is made of cylindrical hard shells made of glass andcomprises a height of 19.5 cm.

The two hard shells of the inner flexible cover each comprise a guiderail in which each press seam of the inner flexible bag can be clamped.

The top sides of the two hard shells each comprise a keyhole-shapedcutout at the contact line thereof, in which each outlet part of theinner flexible bag can be inserted and clamped.

The two hard shells are attached to each other by means of ahook-and-loop fastener, wherein one hard shell comprises the hook stripand the other hard shell comprises the loop strip.

Example 4

A packaging container for 1 L of orange juice is described, comprising atubular bag and an outer collapsible cover that is reused in a depositsystem.

The tubular bag is made of polypropylene and is welded so as to haveapproximately the shape of a cuboid having edge lengths of 9.5 cm×5.5cm×19.cm and a volume capacity of 1 L. Centered on the top side about2.0 cm from the shorter edge is the outlet opening, optionally having avalve.

The outer collapsible cover is made of hard fiber and das the shape asshown in FIG. 8. The edges of the side, base, and top surfaces aredesigned so as to be displaceably insertable in each other and to resultin a fixed, stable cuboid having edge lengths of 10 cm×6 cm×20 cm in thecompletely assembled state. If two parts of the outer collapsible coverare inserted in each other, then said parts can be displaced along thelongitudinal axis of the plug connection. The pattern of motion and thetype of assembly result clearly from FIG. 9, wherein hinges are shown inFIG. 9 and the perforations that can be displaceably inserted in eachother are used in the embodiment described here, wherein a spherical orsemispherical design can be inserted in a corresponding cutout of thecounterpart and vice versa, so that ultimately a hinge function is alsothe result.

The top side of the outer collapsible cover comprises a cutout in whichthe outlet opening of the tubular bag having a collar can be suspended,clamped, or inserted, as shown in FIG. 10. The tubular bag is securelyretained in the outer collapsible cover by means of said cutout.

In order that the tubular bag can be fully emptied, a simple clampingdevice is further located on the inner side of the base surface, inwhich the lower welding seam of the tubular bag can be clamped, so thatthe tubular bag does not collapse when emptying and can be fullyemptied.

After the tubular bag has been completely emptied, the outer collapsiblecover can be opened again and the tubular bag can be removed anddisposed of. The outer collapsible cover can be reused for a new, filledtubular bag or preferably returned in a deposit system.

A further advantage with respect to the outer collapsible cover is thatthe same can be fully unfolded for return transport, and can betransported as a flat folding pattern, saving space and being veryenvironmentally friendly due to reuse in a deposit system, contributingto reduction in waste because only the tubular bag must be disposed of.

REFERENCE LIST

-   Packaging container 1-   Outer cover 3-   Inner flexible bag 5-   Outlet opening 7-   Outlet part 9-   Inner side of the outer cover 11-   Hard shell 13-   Closure mechanism 15-   Attachment device 17-   Cutouts 19-   Cutout of the cover 21

1. A packaging container (1) for pourable liquids, powders, andgranulates, comprising an outer cover (3), and inner flexible bag (5)having an outlet opening (7), and an outlet part (9) connected to theinner flexible bag (5), wherein the inner flexible bag (5) is fixedlyconnected to the outlet part (9) by means of a welding seam, by means ofan adhesive connection, or by molding, and wherein the outlet part (9)is connected to the outer cover (3) by means of a welding seam, by meansof an adhesive connection, a punching process, a plug connection, aclamping device, or by inserting a guide wire.
 2. The packagingcontainer (1) according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the innerflexible bag (5) in the filled state follows the shape of the outercover (3) and makes close contact with the inner side (11) of the outercover (3).
 3. The packaging container (1) according to claim 1 or 2,wherein the inner flexible bag (5) is connected to the outlet part (9)in the area of the outlet opening (7) and the outlet part (9) isconnected to the outer cover (3).
 4. The packaging container (1)according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer cover (3) isegg-shaped, eggplant-shaped, pear-shaped, kidney-shaped, bell-shaped,spherical, cylindrical, conical, in the shape of a conic section,cuboid, pyramidal, or a combination thereof.
 5. The packaging container(1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer cover(3) is made of hard shells (13), particularly said hard shells (13) ofthe outer cover are made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP),polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, polystyrene, polyamide,polycarbonate, or other polymers preferably comprising no halogens. 6.The packaging container (1) according to claim 5, wherein said hardshells (13) are two mirror-image hard shells (13).
 7. The packagingcontainer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein theoutlet opening (9) has a valve function allowing only the discharge ofthe contents, but not the entry of air, gases, or liquid into thepackaging container (1).
 8. The packaging container (1) according to oneof the claims through 7, wherein the hard shells (13) comprise areleasable closure mechanism (15), wherein particularly the releasableclosure mechanism of the two hard shells is a pushbutton, a flap, aclip, an insertion tab, a snap closure, a screw connection, an adhesiveconnection, or a seam.
 9. The packaging container (1) according to claim8, wherein the releasable closure mechanism (15) is at least one returnspring as a hinged connection.
 10. The packaging container (1) accordingto one of the claims 5 through 9, wherein the at least one outlet part(9) is mounted on the top side of said hard shells (13).
 11. Thepackaging container (10 according to one of the claims 1 through 9,wherein the outlet part (9) is mounted in the lower or the upper thirdof the packaging container (1).
 12. The packaging container (1)according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet part (9) isa screw closure, a cover, a reclosable cap, or a dispensing tap.
 13. Thepackaging container (1) according to one of the preceding claims,wherein the inner flexible bag (5) is reversibly attached to the bottomend of the outer cover (3).
 14. The packaging container (1) according toone of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment device (17) for theinner flexible bag (5) on the side of the outer cover (3) opposite theoutlet part (9) is a clamping device having a guide rail or a hookingdevice.
 15. The packaging container (1) according to one of the claims 5through 14, wherein the outer cover (3) comprises at least two cutouts(19) for receiving an outlet part (9), each of which can be loaded witha dedicated inner flexible bag (5) and said at least two cutouts (19)each being able to be loaded with the flexible inner bag (5) by means ofa keyhole-shaped cutout (21) at the contact edge of the top part of thehard shells (13).
 16. The packaging container (1) according to one ofthe claims 5 through 15, wherein the unfolded hard shells (13) arestackable.
 17. A method for separately disposing of the inner flexiblebag (5) and outer cover (3), comprising the following steps: a)Providing a packaging container (1) according to one of the precedingclaims; b) Optionally unfolding the hard shells (13) of the outer cover(3); c) Pulling out the outlet part (9) and the inner flexible bag (5)attached thereto through the outer material, particularly thecorresponding hard shell (13); and d) Separately disposing of the innerflexible bag (5) having the outlet part (9) attached thereto and theouter cover (3).
 18. A method for producing and filling a packagingcontainer (1) according to one of the claims 1-16, comprising thefollowing steps: a) Providing a filled, partially filled, or non-filledinner flexible bag (5) having an outlet opening (7), an outer cover (3),and an outlet part (9); b) Inserting the outlet part (9) into the outletopening (7) of the inner flexible bag (5); c) Inserting the composite ofthe outlet part (9) and the inner flexible bag (5) into the outer cover(3), wherein the outlet part (9) makes contact in the area of the cutout(21) of the outer material and particularly of said hard shells (13); d)Optionally attaching the side of the inner flexible bag (5) facing awayfrom the outlet part (9) to the side of the outer cover (3) facing awayfrom the cutout of the outer cover (3); and e) Optionally closing thehard shells (13).
 19. A method for producing and filling a packagingcontainer (1) according to claim 18, additionally comprising thefollowing step: f) If the inner flexible bag (5) was not filled or waspartially filled for step a), complete or partial filling of thepackaging container by means of the outlet part (9).
 20. A method forloading and separating a packaging container (1) according to one of thepreceding claims, comprising the following steps: a) Providing an outercover (3) and an inner flexible bag (5) connected to the outlet part(9); b) Inserting the outlet part (9) and the inner flexible bag (5)connected thereto into the corresponding device at the cutout (21) of aflat part; c) Using the packaging container (1) as intended; d) Removingthe outlet part (9) and the inner flexible bag (5) connected theretofrom the corresponding device at the cutout (21) of a flat part; e)Disposing of the outlet part (9) and the inner flexible bag (5)connected thereto; f) Stacking the half shells of the outer cover (3);and g) Reusing the outer cover (3).